How We Work

At IDEA-STEM, we work at the intersection of STEM, healthcare, accessibility, and anti-ableism — bringing together subject matter expertise, lived experience, and a deep understanding of systems. We teach, coach, advise, and actively learn alongside the communities we serve, grounding our practice in both evidence and care. Our approach is rooted in the belief that access is collective, care is non-coercive, and inclusion should never require assimilation into outdated or normative standards. Instead, we strive to redefine what belonging, participation, and excellence can look like — together.

  • Lived & Living Experience at the Core

  • Transformative, Not Performative

  • Culturally Conscious & Accessible by Design

What does IDEA-STEM do?

At IDEA-STEM, we take a holistic approach to advancing accessibility and inclusion by weaving together science, strategy, and knowledge. Our work spans inclusive research and education, organizational transformation, and standards development — all grounded in lived experience, community engagement, and evidence-based practices. Whether collaborating with research teams, advising organizational leaders, or shaping accessibility policy, we help build systems where persons with disabilities are not only included but centered — in every space, at every stage.

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First Foundational Principle: Science

We believe science is stronger when it’s inclusive — in how it’s taught, how it’s practiced, and who is involved. At IDEA-STEM, we support research teams and educators in embedding the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and anti-ableism across all areas of STEM and healthcare. From designing inclusive research practices to fostering collaborative team cultures and rethinking how science is taught, we work to ensure that everyone has a meaningful place in the scientific process.

  • We collaborate with scientific research teams to embed the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti-ableism within research practice and operations, and work to ensure that human-centered research in STEM and healthcare is carried out by inclusive teams, in inclusive ways.

  • We work with educators to ensure that science and scientific concepts are taught to STEM and healthcare trainees (including trainees with disabilities) in inclusive and anti-ableist ways, mindful of the many different ways of learning that persons have.

  • We work with large and diverse scientific research teams to foster an inclusive, effective and collaborative team environment, with open, transparent communication, strong governance, and sustainable strategy.

Building inclusive systems takes more than good intentions — it takes strategy. At IDEA-STEM, we partner with organizations to embed accessibility and anti-ableism into the core of their culture, policies, and practices. Through research, consultation, and multi-year planning, we help develop strategies that are measurable, achievable, and grounded in lived experience. From leadership coaching to learning and development, we work alongside teams to shift culture, strengthen accountability, and make accessibility a lasting part of how organizations lead, grow, and serve.

Second Foundational Principle: Strategy

  • We partner with organizations to foster inclusive cultures through evidence-based research, stakeholder consultation, and the development of realistic, measurable, and achievable multi-year accessibility strategies. Our approach is grounded in organizational priorities and shaped by the lived experiences and insights of persons with disabilities, ensuring that accessibility is not only a goal — but a lasting part of the organization’s DNA.

  • We conduct training sessions and speaking engagements for organizations to shift organizational culture by increasing awareness and knowledge of accessibility and anti-ableism principles and practices in educational, workplace and healthcare settings.

  • We provide one-on-one or one-on-small group coaching and advice to organizational leadership on an organizational culture of accessibility, inclusion and anti-ableism in STEM and healthcare settings.

We generate and share knowledge to drive systems change. Through research, evaluation, and partnership, we identify, remove, and prevent barriers experienced by persons with disabilities in STEM, healthcare, education, and the workplace. Our work informs inclusive teaching, organizational coaching, and policy advising. We help shape accessibility and anti-ableism standards, and support organizations in evaluating the effectiveness of their programs and practices.

Third Foundational Principle: Knowledge

  • We conduct research on identifying, removing and preventing barriers experienced by persons with disabilities in STEM, healthcare, education and employment. Our findings shape how we teach, coach and advise organizations.

  • We work with partners to shape accessibility standards and policies in areas relevant to participation in STEM and healthcare.

  • We work with organizations to gather data on engagement and effectiveness of programs and strategies aimed at improving accessibility and removing barriers experienced by persons with disabilities.